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Best of Kearny Mesa

Soup and tea spots

A place to find a steaming bowl of soup and a pot of tea without having to choose between a meal and a quick drink.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
Pho Nom image 1
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Pho restaurant

Interior features modern decor with flowers and lanterns creating a cozy, dreamlike atmosphere. Music plays a chill, well-curated playlist that complements the vibe. The space feels authentic and thoughtfully designed, inviting a relaxed dining experience.

Broth stands out with its rich flavor and authentic aromatics. Meat in the soup is consistently tender, especially the beef ribs on the bone.

Thai tea stands out with both classic and green varieties that draw strong recommendations. The galaxy tea offers a unique alternative alongside the signature pho.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"The short rib soup here is so tender and flavorful."

"I thought the green Thai tea was excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2โ€“5 PM with a variety of drinks at good prices.

2

Parking can be tough, especially at night due to nearby attractions.

3

Pho Nom closes late at 10:30 PM, perfect for late-night cravings.

02
formoosa image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Small Taiwanese restaurant features a wrap-around bar with chic modern decor and classic 90s and 2000s hip hop music. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with lively energy and good music. Seating focuses on bar spots, offering a unique view of food preparation and torch-lit bowls.

Beef noodle soup stands out with rich flavor and tender meat. The soup pairs well with wontons and is a popular choice during happy hour from Monday to Friday between 2 and 5 pm.

Jasmine Green Tea stands out as the best ever had here. The menu also features Mango Jasmine tea and peach oolong milk tea, both well-crafted and flavorful.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup here is so flavorful and the beef is tender."

"I found the handcrafted cocktails to be amazing and delicious."

"The mango jasmine tea is really sweet and I loved it."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 2-5 pm, with discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

Most happy hour items are $1-3 off, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Parking is available in a plaza lot, but payment is required.

03
Mekong Cuisine Lao & Thai image 1
Laotian restaurant

Simple, pretty interior with tropical decor and decorative plants creates an intimate, peaceful atmosphere. Lighting is a bit dark and space can feel stuffy, but the vibe stays casual and relaxing. Staff offer friendly, personalized touches like complimentary photos with rose flowers.

Soups here feature rich curries like pumpkin and Khao Soi, a curry noodle soup. Tom Yum soup offers a variety of vegetables and a choice between glass or flat noodles in the Yen Ta Fo noodle soup adds texture options.

Hot teas come in a nice selection alongside Laotian beer and some craft beers. The tea options complement dishes like Thai tea and sticky rice well.

People are saying

"The food here is packed with flavor and perfectly balanced."

"The Thai food's boat noodles have a unique, flavorful black broth."

"This Thai tea tastes like it's from a bottle with something extra."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using rideshare.

04
Chon Ju Jip image 1
Korean restaurant

Small, family-owned Korean restaurant with traditional decor and a homey, unpretentious vibe. Atmosphere feels casual and lively, filled with the scent of simmering broths and sizzling garlic. Known for authentic Korean dishes and wide variety of menu options.

Soups come in huge servings and cook in clay pots where you can crack an egg into the boiling broth. Options include pork bone soup with a unique spicy flavor, ox bone soup, and kimchi soup, often served with multiple side dishes.

Cold barley tea served without ice has a woody flavor and complements meals well. Refills come easily, and the tea adds a refreshing touch to the dining experience.

People are saying

"The kimchi soup is huge, hearty, and a total bargain."

"The seafood here is tender, briny, and packed with flavor."

"The tea was a bargain for such great food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for a table during peak hours.

3

Parking is free but can be difficult to find during dinner time.

05
ME SEN Thai Noodle Shop image 1

Small, cozy space inside a supermarket offers an authentic Thai street food vibe with warm, casual dรฉcor and high ceilings that keep noise manageable. The atmosphere feels like eating at a local Bangkok noodle shop, with many Thai speakers and a bustling, lively energy during peak hours.

Beef boat noodle soup offers a myriad of flavors with a rich, savory, and subtly spicy profile. The soup balances sweet, sour, and earthy notes, delivering tender meat and a taste that feels authentically Thai.

Teas come in a good size and are not watery. The Thai iced tea stands out and is worth trying.

People are saying

"The rich, savory broth in the noodle soup is incredible."

"These authentic Thai boat noodles are a flavorful hidden gem."

"I found the chicken and rice to be authentic and well made."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant can get crowded during peak hours.

3

There is no restroom in the grocery store, so plan accordingly.

06
Phoenix Dessert - San Diego image 1

Small dessert shop with bright ambiance and outside seating offers mostly to-go service with limited indoor tables. Desserts feature authentic Cantonese flavors and are generally not overly sweet. Freshly cut fruits highlight the menu, creating a casual spot for enjoying Chinese fusion sweets.

Black sesame soup offers a smooth texture and sweet, flavorful taste but sometimes arrives barely warm. Hot rice dessert soups stand out for their sweetness and rich flavor.

Barley tea stands out as a good choice among the variety of drinks offered. The tea complements a menu that includes desserts, hot foods, and street food.

People are saying

"The desserts here are perfect and not too sweet."

"The sweet black sesame dessert soup is a must-try."

"I was craving their durian rolls, they're so good."

Good to know

1

They only receive shipments from LA on certain days, so popular desserts may run out.

2

The chicken wings are often sold out shortly after opening.

3

This location has limited hot entrees compared to their LA locations.

07
Imperial Mandarin image 1
Chinese restaurant

Huge space with traditional Chinese decor and an austere, cafeteria-like atmosphere. The vibe is family-oriented and casual, attracting a clientele familiar with its authentic Cantonese dim sum offerings. The environment feels dated but maintains a steady, unpretentious presence.

Egg drop soup stands out as a tasty option often paired with fried wonton for crunch, though the wontons can be greasy and overfried. The Sizzling Rice Soup offers a classic choice for soup lovers.

Boiling water to make tea with loose leaves creates an experience like an authentic Cantonese teahouse. Tea comes in a hot pot, served alongside dishes like lobster and egg foo young.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the Peking duck."

"The dim sum and fried noodles here are delicious."

"I found the egg drop soup very tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult in the large lot shared with other restaurants.

2

Dim sum offerings are only available on weekends.

3

Prices for dim sum trays range from $5.5 to $6.5.

08
Spicy House image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small strip-mall restaurant with traditional Chinese decoration and colorful interior featuring fish tanks and TVs. Atmosphere feels chaotic but lively, with a large menu offering authentic Szechuan cuisine served family style in generous portions.

Spicy Mapo tofu soup makes you sweat but delivers strong flavor. Pork hock soup comes with white beans. Fish eyeballs and egg soup offers a unique, lovely experience.

Complimentary hot tea arrives with every meal. Peanuts and cucumbers come alongside as complementary items.

People are saying

"I found the Sichuan food here to be super authentic."

"The Mapo tofu soup here made me sweat with its spicy, numb flavor."

"I found their spicy crispy fish to be absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult during peak lunchtime hours.

2

The restaurant offers family-style dining with large portions.

3

Guests can bring their own beer after paying a corking fee.

09
Taste of Hong Kong image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Small dining space offers a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere with noisy energy similar to an upscale cafeteria. Groups of any size can find seating, including a private room option. The place stands out for its authentic Cantonese dishes and an extensive menu.

Soups feature West Lake beef and HK wonton varieties. The fried chicken wing with egg yolk and green bean soup stands out. Red bean soup appears as a dessert option.

Hot tea costs $2 per person and is automatically served unless declined. The tea tastes fantastic and comes as a standard part of the experience.

People are saying

"I found the Cantonese food here to be truly authentic and delicious."

"I missed authentic Chinese soup more than I did before coming here."

"I keep thinking about the shrimp dish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Parking can be difficult to find during dinner time; arrive early.

3

Expect to pay around $200 for a party of three.

10
Facing East Noodle & Bar image 1
Asian restaurant

Asian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a retro-inspired decor and great music. The space feels clean and inviting, attracting a busy crowd. Ordering and payment happen upfront, creating a straightforward dining flow.

Soup dumplings burst with unique, flavorful fillings and rich broth. Braised beef noodle soup offers a complex, flavorful broth with tender beef shank and fresh pickled mustard greens. Ramen soups feature super complex broths that stand out.

Offers a Hawaiian Sunset Fruit Tea that is refreshing and tropical. The tea pairs well with bold food flavors and is generally good.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, savory, and truly the soul of the dish."

"The braised beef noodle soup here is highly recommended."

"The ramen here was exceptional and a clear highlight."

Good to know

1

Customers order themselves through their phones using a QR code on each table.

2

Prepaying for food is common here, which is unusual for sit-down restaurants.

3

Parking is challenging around the area, so plan accordingly.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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